KR102201906B1 - Apparatus and method for controlling other electronic device in electronic device - Google Patents

Abstract

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method of operating an electronic device includes displaying a result of recognizing at least one other electronic device as at least one item, and a signal that the at least one other electronic device can identify. It characterized in that it comprises the process of transmitting a message requesting to output.

Description

Device and method for controlling another electronic device from an electronic device {APPARATUS AND METHOD FOR CONTROLLING OTHER ELECTRONIC DEVICE IN ELECTRONIC DEVICE}

The present invention relates to a technology for controlling another electronic device in an electronic device.

With the development of communication technology, when setting electronic equipment, users can perform remote setting through wired/wireless technology instead of directly setting through the input unit of the electronic equipment. Referring to FIG. 1, FIG. 1 shows an example of an interface for controlling a speaker. 1 shows an example of setting speakers with a communication function. Referring to FIG. 1, the interface includes an interface 101 of a control device for setting the speakers, and a plurality of speakers 103 to 117. A user can set a function corresponding to each position of the plurality of speakers 103 to 117 through the interface 101. When at least one speaker among the plurality of speakers 103 to 117 is moved to a different position, the user may reset a function corresponding to the position of the at least one speaker moved through the interface 101. In addition, the user may set a connection method of other speakers due to the movement of the at least one speaker through the interface 101.

However, in order to configure the devices according to the above-described manner, the user must be aware of the mapping relationship between the devices displayed on the interface 101 and actual physical devices. In other words, the user must recognize the ID (IDentification) or SN (Serial Number) of the device to be set. In addition, there is an inconvenience of setting a service topology of the device every time the device moves.

An interface for controlling a speaker and a setting process have been illustrated with reference to FIG. 1. As described above, the above-described setting and control procedure requires the user to directly check information on each device. The same problem may occur when controlling electronic devices other than the speaker illustrated in FIG. 1.

An embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus and method for intuitively recognizing another electronic device in an electronic device.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus and method for recognizing and setting another electronic device in an electronic device according to a location of another electronic device.

Another embodiment of the present invention provides an apparatus and method for grouping and detecting movement of another electronic device in an electronic device.

An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a display unit that displays a result of recognizing at least one other electronic device as at least one item, and requests that the at least one other electronic device output an identifiable signal It characterized in that it comprises a communication unit for transmitting the message.

An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a display unit that displays a result of recognizing the at least one other electronic device as at least one item, and an electronic device that provides at least one location information for transmitting location information It characterized in that it comprises a communication unit for receiving information on the location from the.

An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a communication unit configured to transmit and receive a signal for recognizing at least one other electronic device and data with the at least one other electronic device, and a group with the at least one other electronic device. It characterized in that it comprises a control unit for controlling to form.

An electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention may include a communication unit for receiving a message requesting to output an identifiable signal from another electronic device, and an output unit for outputting the identifiable signal.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, a method of operating an electronic device includes displaying a result of recognizing at least one other electronic device as at least one item, and requesting that the at least one other electronic device output an identifiable signal. It characterized in that it comprises a process of transmitting a message to be described.

In the operating method of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention, a process of displaying a result of recognizing the at least one other electronic device as at least one item, and providing at least one location information for transmitting location information And receiving information on the location from an electronic device.

The method of operating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a process of transmitting and receiving a signal for recognizing at least one other electronic device and a data signal with the at least one other electronic device, and the at least one other electronic device It characterized in that it includes the process of forming a group.

A method of operating an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention includes receiving a message requesting to output an identifiable signal from another electronic device, and outputting the identifiable signal.

1 shows an example of an interface for speaker control.
2 illustrates an example of a control device and a controlled device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
3A and 3B illustrate examples of recognizing and controlling other electronic devices in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
4A to 4C illustrate examples of recognizing and controlling other electronic devices in an electronic device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
5A to 5C illustrate examples of recognizing and controlling other electronic devices in an electronic device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
6A to 6C illustrate examples of recognizing and controlling other electronic devices in an electronic device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
7A and 7B illustrate examples of grouping with other electronic devices in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
8 illustrates an example of interworking with a wearable device in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
9 illustrates an example of setting a connection method with another electronic device in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
10 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting a connection method with another electronic device in an electronic device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
11 is a flowchart illustrating a flowchart of recognizing and setting another electronic device in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
12 is a flowchart illustrating a process of recognizing and setting another electronic device in an electronic device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
13 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of another electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
14 is a flowchart illustrating a grouping of an electronic device with another electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
15 is a flowchart illustrating a flow chart of regrouping with another electronic device in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
16 is a flowchart illustrating a connection method of an electronic device to another electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
17 is a flowchart illustrating a grouping of an electronic device with another electronic device according to another embodiment of the present invention.
18 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
19 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of another electronic device controlled by the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
20 illustrates an example of a block configuration of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.
21 illustrates an example of a block configuration of another electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Hereinafter, the operating principle of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings. In the following description of the present invention, if it is determined that a detailed description of a related known function or configuration may unnecessarily obscure the subject matter of the present invention, a detailed description thereof will be omitted. In addition, terms to be described later are terms defined in consideration of functions in the present invention, which may vary depending on the intention or custom of users or operators. Therefore, the definition should be made based on the contents throughout this specification.

Hereinafter, the present invention describes a technique for initially setting another electronic device in an electronic device and detecting movement of the other electronic device.

In the following description, an electronic device that performs a function for controlling another electronic device is referred to as a'controlling device'. Further, in the following description, the other electronic device controlled by the control device is referred to as a'controlled device'.

2 illustrates an example of a control device and a controlled device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 2, the controlled devices 201 to 207 and the control device 209 are shown.

The controlled devices 201 to 207 are devices having a communication function capable of communicating with the control device 209. Each of the controlled devices 201 to 207 provides at least one function corresponding to a device characteristic, and may be controlled by the control device 209. For example, the controlled devices 201 to 207 may include a speaker, a light, a washing machine, a refrigerator, a TV (TeleVision), an audio, a game console, and a personal computer (PC). ), an automatic curtain, an oven, a robot cleaner, an air conditioner, a dishwasher, a CCTV (Closed Circuit TeleVision), a multivision, and the like.

The control device 209 is a device having a communication function capable of communicating with the controlled devices 201 to 207. The control device 209 may control at least one function that can be provided by the controlled devices 201 to 207. The control device 209 is an input means for processing a user's input (for example, a button, a touchscreen, etc.), a communication means for performing communication with the controlled devices 201 to 207 Includes. For example, the control device 209 includes a smart phone, a portable terminal, a mobile phone, a mobile pad, a media player, and a tablet computer. computer), a handheld computer, a personal digital assistant (PDA), a desktop computer, a wireless controller, and a combination of two or more functions of the above-described devices. It can be a device.

The control device 209 and the controlled devices 201 to 207 perform mutual search. In other words, the control device 209 determines whether the controlled devices 201 to 207 are located at a controllable distance. For example, the control device 209 transmits a signal in a predetermined form. Accordingly, after the controlled devices 201 to 207 detect the signal of the predetermined form, a response may be transmitted. Through the search procedure, a distance between the control device 209 and the controlled devices 201 to 207 may be measured. The distance measurement may be performed through a received signal strength indication (RSSI) between the control device 209 and the controlled devices 201 to 207 or an audio time stamp.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the control device 209 controls the controlled devices 201 to 207 through at least one of Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy (BLE), and Near Field Communication (NFC). I can recognize it.

The control device 209 and the controlled devices 201 to 207 recognize the existence of each other in the search procedure and establish a mutual communication connection. For example, the communication connection between the control device 209 and the controlled devices 201 to 207 is Wi-Fi, WiGig (Wireless Gigabit), Zigbee, UWB (Ultra WideBand), IrDA (Infrared Data). Association), VLC (Visible Light Communication), GSM (Global System for Mobile communication), EDGE (Enhanced Data GSM Environment), CDMA (Code Division Multiple Access), LTE (Long Term Evolution) can be performed based on at least one of have.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the control device 209 transmits and receives a signal for mutual recognition with the controlled devices 201 to 207 through at least one of the Bluetooth, BLE, and NFC, and the controlled device Activate a communication module using at least one of the Wi-Fi, the WiGig, the Zigbee, the UWB, the IrDA, the VLC, the GSM, the EDGE, the CDMA, and the LTE of the devices 201 to 207 to generate a data signal. You can send and receive.

The controlled devices 201 to 207 and the control device 209 may exchange equipment information with each other. For example, the equipment information includes connectivity information, service information, equipment ID (IDentification) information, equipment type information, and equipment name. For example, the connection information includes equipment role, authentication information, connected equipment information, connected group information, and the like. The service information includes services that the controlled devices 201 to 207 can support, applications, service information to be executed, and the like. For example, the device-specific ID information includes a Bluetooth device address, a WiFi MAC address, and the like. For example, the equipment type information is information indicating what kind of equipment the equipment is. For example, the types of equipment may include speakers, lighting, washing machines, refrigerators, TVs, audio systems, game consoles, PCs, automatic curtains, ovens, robot cleaners, air conditioners, dishwashers, CCTVs, multi-visions, and the like.

The control device 209 may recognize the controlled devices 201 to 207 based on the equipment information transmitted from the controlled devices 201 to 207.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the control device 209 may recognize the controlled devices 201 to 207 through WiGig or IR communication.

2 illustrates four controlled devices. However, according to another embodiment of the present invention, three or less or five or more controlled devices may be controlled by the control device.

3A and 3B illustrate examples of recognizing and controlling other electronic devices in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

3A and 3B illustrate a situation in which the control device 301 controls the four controlled devices 305 to 311.

Referring to FIG. 3A, the control device 301 recognizes the controlled devices 305 to 311 and receives equipment information from the controlled devices 305 to 311. Accordingly, the control device 301 displays the peripheral device recognition result on the display unit 303 of the control device 301. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the peripheral device recognition result may be displayed using icons 313 to 319 indicating types of the controlled devices 305 to 311. For example, when the controlled devices 305 to 311 are speakers, the icons 313 to 319 representing the controlled devices may have a speaker shape. As another example, when the controlled devices 305 to 311 are lighting, the icons 313 to 319 may have a lighting shape.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the icons 313 to 319 may be displayed in the order in which the control device 301 recognizes the controlled device. For example, the control device 301 is the first controlled device 305, the second controlled device 307, the third controlled device 309, the fourth controlled device 311 When the controlled devices 305 to 311 are recognized in the order, the control device 301 is the first icon 313 and the second icon 315 corresponding to the recognition result according to the recognition order. , The third icon 317 and the fourth icon 319 may be sequentially displayed.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the peripheral device recognition result may be displayed in a manner other than the icons 313 to 319. For example, the controlled devices 305 to 311 may be displayed in a manner other than a method of displaying the recognition results in order. For example, the control device 301 may simultaneously display the icons 313 to 319 regardless of the recognition order of the controlled devices 305 to 311.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the recognition result of the peripheral device may be displayed in a manner other than the icons 313 to 319. For example, the recognition results of the controlled devices 305 to 311 may be displayed in a list manner. That is, the peripheral device recognition result may be displayed as a list listing identification information of the controlled devices 305 to 311. For example, the identification information may include ID, SN, and the like. For convenience of description below, the present invention takes a case where the icons 313 to 319 are displayed as an example.

Although the control device 301 recognizes the controlled devices 305 to 311, the user cannot know which controlled device each of the icons 313 to 319 actually corresponds to. Therefore, so that the user can recognize the correspondence between the controlled devices 305 to 311 and the icons 313 to 319, the control device 301 It can be controlled to output an identification signal. The identification signal is a promised signal output from the controlled devices 305 to 311. The identification signal may be variously defined according to specific embodiments. For example, the identification signal may be defined in the form of at least one of light, sound, and image. Also, the identification signal may be defined identically or differently for each of the controlled devices. For example, the identification signal may be classified into at least one of a color of illumination, a pattern of illumination, a period of illumination, an acoustic signal, a pattern of an acoustic signal, and a period of an acoustic signal.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, after displaying the icons 313 to 319, the control device 301 displays the icons 313 to 319 and the blood corresponding to the icons 313 to 319. A display capable of recognizing the correspondence between the control devices 305 to 311 may be displayed. For example, after the control device 301 displays the icons 313 to 319 on the display unit 303 of the control device 301, the first controlled device 305 Through the display means of the control device 305, it is possible to control to display an illumination signal as the identification signal. For example, the control device 301 may transmit a request message requesting to output the identification signal to the first controlled device 305. For example, the request message notifies a request to output an identification signal, and may include information indicating at least one of a type, a content, and a display method (eg, duration, number of repetitions, etc.) of the identification signal. At this time, the control device 301 displays the first icon 313, which is a recognition result display of the first controlled device 305, to be distinguishable from other icons 315, 317, 319, May be configured to check a correspondence between the first controlled device 305 displaying the lighting signal and the first icon 313. For example, the control device 301 displays the first icon 313 to be distinguishable from the other icons 315, 317, and 319 through blinking, moving, changing color, etc. can do. The controlled devices 305 to 311 output the identification signal under the control of the control device 301.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the control device 301 may control the output of the identification signal according to a user's command. For example, when the user selects the first icon from among the icons 313 to 319 displayed on the display unit 303, the control device 301 displays the first icon corresponding to the first icon 313. 1 It is possible to control the controlled device 305 to output the identification signal.

Referring to FIG. 3B, the control device 301 displays the icons 313 to 319 and role setting windows 321 to 327 through the display unit 303.

The role setting windows 321 to 327 are interfaces for setting the roles of the controlled devices 305 to 311 through association with icons 313 to 319. That is, a user may assign a role to each of the controlled devices 305 to 311 through the role setting windows 321 to 327.

For example, a user touches and drags the first icon 313 displayed on the display unit 303 of the control device 301, and drops it on the first role setting window 321 ), the first controlled device corresponding to the first icon 313 is set to perform a role corresponding to the first role setting window. For example, when the first to fourth controlled devices are speakers, the user may allocate the front-left speaker role through the first role setting window 321. In addition, the user plays a speaker role located at the front-right through the second role setting window 323, a speaker role located at the rear-left through the third role setting window 325, and a fourth role setting window 327. Through this, the role of the speaker located at the rear-right can be assigned. At this time, when the user positions the first icon 313 on the first role setting window 321, the first controlled device acts as a speaker located at the front-left corresponding to the first role window 321 Is set to perform.

When the user touches the first icon 313 located in the first role setting window 321, the first controlled device 305 plays a role corresponding to the role of the first role setting window 321. Perform. For example, when the first controlled device 305 is a speaker, as the user touches the first icon 313, the first controlled device 305 provides audio according to the assigned role. Print.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, when a user touches the first icon 313 located on the first role setting window 321, the control device 301 displays the first screen on the display unit 303. An interface capable of controlling the control device 305 may be displayed. For example, when the first controlled device 305 is a TV, when the user touches the first icon 313 located in the first role setting window 321, the control device 301 , The interface capable of performing control such as activation/deactivation of the TV power supply, volume adjustment, and channel adjustment may be displayed on the display unit 303. The configuration of an interface capable of controlling the controlled device may vary according to the type of the controlled device. For example, when the controlled device is an airconditioner, the interface may include a component capable of adjusting the temperature. For example, when the controlled device is a speaker, the interface includes volume of the speaker, mono, stereo, surround, center speaker, sub woofer, etc. May contain configurable configurations.

3A to 3B illustrate four controlled devices. However, according to another embodiment of the present invention, three or less or five or more controlled devices may be controlled by the control device. In addition, FIG. 2 illustrates four role setting windows. However, according to another embodiment of the present invention, there may be 3 or less or 5 or more role setting windows.

3A and 3B illustrate a case where the controlled devices 405 to 411 are speakers. However, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the types of the controlled devices 405 to 411 may be different. For example, the controlled devices 405 to 411 may be multi-vision. The multi-vision refers to a device for displaying a large screen by combining a plurality of display devices. The multi-vision is composed of a plurality of display devices having a display means, and the role of each display device is different according to the relative position of the display device.

4A to 4C illustrate examples of recognizing and controlling other electronic devices in an electronic device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

4A to 4C illustrate a situation in which the control device 401 automatically controls the four controlled devices 405 to 411.

Referring to FIG. 4A, the control device 401 outputs a screen photographed by the camera to the display unit 403. At this time, the controlled devices 305 to 311 are photographed and displayed on the display unit 403.

Referring to FIG. 4B, the control device 401 displays the icons 413 to 419 and role setting windows 421 to 427 through the display unit 403.

The role setting windows 421 to 427 are interfaces for setting the roles of the controlled devices 405 to 411 through association with icons 413 to 419. That is, the control device 401 may allocate a role to each of the controlled devices 405 to 411 through the role setting windows 421 to 427. In addition, the role setting windows 421 to 427 illustrated in FIG. 4B provide a reference for determining the positions of the controlled devices 305 to 311.

The control device 401 recognizes the controlled devices 405 to 411. In this case, the control device 401 may receive equipment information from the controlled devices 405 to 411. Accordingly, the control device 401 displays the peripheral device recognition result on the display unit 403 of the control device 401. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the peripheral device recognition result may be displayed using icons 413 to 419 indicating types of the controlled devices 405 to 411. For example, when the controlled devices 405 to 411 are speakers, the icons 413 to 419 representing the controlled devices 405 to 411 may have a speaker shape. As another example, when the controlled devices 405 to 411 are lighting, the icons 413 to 419 may have a lighting shape.

According to an embodiment of the present invention, the icons 413 to 419 may be displayed in the order in which the control device 401 recognizes a corresponding controlled device. For example, the control device 401 includes the first controlled device 405, the second controlled device 407, the third controlled device 409, and the fourth controlled device 411. When the controlled devices 405 to 411 are recognized in the order, the control device 401 is the first icon 413 and the second icon 415 corresponding to the recognition result according to the recognition order. , The third icon 417 and the fourth icon 419 may be sequentially displayed.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the icons 413 to 419 may be displayed in a different order than a method in which the controlled devices 405 to 411 are recognized in order. For example, the control device 401 may simultaneously display the icons 413 to 419 irrespective of the recognition order of the controlled devices 405 to 411.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the recognition result of the peripheral device may be displayed in a manner other than the icons 413 to 419. For example, the recognition results for the controlled devices 405 to 411 may be displayed in a list manner. That is, the peripheral device recognition result may be displayed as a list listing identification information of the controlled devices 405 to 411. For example, the identification information may include ID, SN, and the like. For convenience of description below, the present invention takes a case where the icons 413 to 419 are displayed as an example.

Referring to FIG. 4C, the control device 401 may automatically set the roles of the controlled devices 405 to 411 without a user's command. For example, the control device 401 checks a correspondence relationship between the positions of each of the controlled devices 405 to 411 and the positions of the role setting windows 421 to 427, and the controlled devices ( 405 to 411) can be assigned roles. For example, the control device 401 may control the controlled devices 405 to 411 to output an identification signal in order to recognize the positions of the controlled devices 405 to 411. The identification signal is a promised signal output from the controlled devices 405 to 411. The identification signal may be variously defined according to specific embodiments. For example, the identification signal may be defined in the form of at least one of light, sound, and image. Also, the identification signal may be defined identically or differently for each of the controlled devices. For example, the identification signal may be classified into at least one of a color of illumination, a pattern of illumination, a period of illumination, an acoustic signal, a pattern of an acoustic signal, and a period of an acoustic signal.

The control device 401 may transmit a request message requesting to output the identification signal to the first controlled device 405. For example, the request message notifies a request to output an identification signal, and may include information indicating at least one of a type, a content, and a display method (eg, duration, number of repetitions, etc.) of the identification signal.

For example, after the control device 401 displays the icons 413 to 419 on the display unit 403 of the control device 401, the first controlled device 405 Through the display means of the control device 405, it is possible to control to display an illumination signal as the identification signal. In this case, the control device 401 may recognize the lighting signal through a sensor unit and check the position of the first controlled device 405. The sensor is a device that recognizes an image signal or an audio signal. For example, the sensor may include a camera capable of recognizing an image signal and a microphone capable of recognizing an acoustic signal. The control device 401 may check whether the position of the first controlled device 405 corresponds to the position of the first role setting window 421 through the lighting signal. When the control device 401 determines that the location of the first controlled device 405 is included in the range of the first role setting window 421, the control device 401 returns to the first controlled device 405. ) May be assigned a role corresponding to the first role setting window 421.

For example, the control device 401 provides the first controlled device 405, the second controlled device 407, and the third controlled device 409 to the controlled devices 405 to 411. ), the fourth controlled device 411 may be controlled to display the illumination signal in that order. When the controlled devices 405 to 411 sequentially display lighting signals, the control device 401 may recognize the positions of the controlled devices 405 to 411 through the lighting signals. When the positions of the controlled devices 405 to 411 are included in the ranges of the role setting windows 421 to 427, the control device 401 sets the role to the controlled devices 405 to 411, respectively. Roles according to the positions of the windows 405 to 411 may be assigned respectively. For example, when the controlled devices 405 to 411 are speakers, the control device 401 tells the first controlled device 405 to correspond to the position of the first role setting window 421. Front-left speaker role can be assigned. In addition, the control device 401 acts as a speaker located at the front-right corresponding to the position of the second role setting window 423 to the second controlled device 407, to the third controlled device 409. The rear end corresponding to the position of the third role setting window 325-a speaker positioned at the left, and to the fourth controlled device 411 at the rear end corresponding to the fourth role setting window 427-the speaker positioned at the right You can assign roles.

The control device 401 recognizes the controlled devices 405 to 411 and assigns a role, but the user cannot know which controlled device each of the icons 413 to 419 actually corresponds to. Accordingly, the control device 405 may display on the display unit 403 of the control device 405 so that the user can recognize the roles assigned to the controlled devices 405 to 411. For example, the control device 401 moves the icons 413 to 419 to the role setting windows 421 to 427, and the icons 413 to 419 and the role setting windows 421 to 427 You can make the user aware of the corresponding relationship.

When the user touches the icons 413 to 419, the controlled devices 405 to 411 perform a set role. For example, when the first controlled device 405 is a speaker, as the user touches the first icon 417, the first controlled device 405 provides audio according to the assigned role. Print.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, when a user touches at least one of the icons 413 to 419 located in the role setting windows 421 to 427, the control device 401 displays the display unit 403. An interface capable of controlling a controlled device corresponding to the at least one icon may be displayed. For example, when the controlled device is a TV, when the user touches at least one icon, the control device 401 performs control such as activation/deactivation of the TV power supply, volume adjustment, and channel adjustment. A capable interface may be displayed on the display unit 403. The configuration of an interface capable of controlling the controlled device may vary according to the type of the controlled device. For example, when the controlled device is an air conditioner, an interface capable of controlling the controlled device may include a component capable of adjusting a temperature.

4A to 4C illustrate four controlled devices. However, according to another embodiment of the present invention, three or less or five or more controlled devices may be controlled by the control device. In addition, FIGS. 4A to 4C illustrate four role setting windows. However, according to another embodiment of the present invention, there may be 3 or less or 5 or more role setting windows.

The embodiments of FIGS. 4A to 4C illustrate a case in which the controlled devices 405 to 411 are speakers. However, according to various embodiments of the present disclosure, the types of the controlled devices 405 to 411 may be different. For example, the controlled devices 405 to 411 may be illuminated or multi-vision. The multi-vision refers to a device for displaying a large screen by combining a plurality of display devices. The multi-vision is composed of a plurality of display devices having a display means, and the role of each display device is different according to the relative position of the display device.

5A to 5D illustrate examples of recognizing and controlling other electronic devices in an electronic device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

5A to 5D illustrate a situation in which the control device 517 recognizes and controls the fourth controlled device 515 in the fourth space 501.

Referring to FIG. 5A, when the control device 501 is located in a range in which signals can be transmitted/received to and from the fourth controlled device 515 through distance measurement in the fourth space 501, the Equipment information can be exchanged with the fourth controlled device 515. When the space including the spaces 501 to 507 is a home, the first space 501 is a kitchen, the second space 503 is a living room, and the third space 505 is a small room, The 4th space 507 may be a master room.

Referring to FIG. 5B, the control device 517 displays the first icon 529 and role setting windows 521 to 527 according to space through the display unit 519. The role setting windows 521 to 527 are interfaces for setting the role of the fourth controlled device 515 through linkage with the first icon 529.

The control device 517 displays the peripheral device recognition result on the display unit 519 of the control device 517. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the peripheral device recognition result may be displayed using a first icon 529 indicating the type of the fourth controlled device 515. For example, when the fourth controlled device 515 is illuminated, the first icon 529 representing the fourth controlled device 515 may have a lighting shape. As another example, when the fourth controlled device 515 is a speaker, the icons 313 to 319 may have a lighting shape.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the peripheral device recognition result may be displayed in a manner other than the first icon 529. For example, the recognition result of the fourth controlled device 515 may be displayed in a list manner. That is, the peripheral device recognition result may be displayed as a list listing identification information of the fourth controlled device 515. For example, the identification information may include ID, SN, and the like. For convenience of description below, the present invention takes the case indicated by the first icon 515 as an example.

Referring to FIG. 5C, the user may assign a role to the fourth controlled device 529 through the role setting windows 521 to 527.

For example, when a user touches and drags the first icon 529 displayed on the display unit 519 of the control device 517 and drops it on the fourth role setting window 527, the first icon 529 The fourth controlled device corresponding to) is set to perform a role corresponding to the fourth role setting window 527. For example, when the fourth space is a home and the fourth controlled device is lighting, the user may assign a home lighting role through the fourth role setting window 527. At this time, when the user drags the first icon 529 to the fourth role setting window 527 and moves it, the fourth controlled device performs a home lighting role corresponding to the fourth role window 527 Is set to

When the user touches the first icon 529 moved to the fourth role setting window, the fourth controlled device 515 performs a role corresponding to the role of the fourth role setting window 527. For example, when the fourth controlled device 515 is lighting, as the user touches the first icon 529, the fourth controlled device 515 illuminates according to the assigned role. Print.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, when a user touches the first icon 529 located in the fourth role setting window 527, the control device 517 controls the display unit 519 for a fourth control. An interface for controlling the device 515 may be displayed. For example, when the fourth controlled device 515 is lighting, the control device 517, when the user touches the first icon 529, activates the brightness of the lighting and the lighting power/ An interface capable of controlling deactivation or the like may be displayed on the display unit 517. The configuration of the interface may vary depending on the type of the controlled device. For example, when the controlled device is an air conditioner, the interface may include a component capable of controlling a temperature.

5A to 5C illustrate an example in which the control device recognizes and controls one controlled device located in one of four spaces. However, according to another embodiment of the present invention, three or less or five or more spaces may exist, and one or more controlled devices may be located in each space. In addition, the control device may recognize and control at least one controlled device while moving at least one or more spaces.

6A to 6C illustrate examples of recognizing and controlling other electronic devices in an electronic device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

6A to 6C illustrate an example of automatically recognizing and setting a controlled device through a control device when a device for providing location information exists in a space-separated place.

Referring to FIG. 6A, when the space including the spaces 601 to 607 is a home, the first space 601 is a kitchen, the second space 603 is a living room, and the third space 605 ) May be a small room, and the fourth space 607 may be a master room.

6A illustrates an example in which location information providing devices 617 to 623 providing location information of the spaces 601 to 607 are positioned in the spaces 601 to 607 according to an embodiment of the present invention. do.

The location information providing devices 617 to 623 store location information of the spaces 601 to 607. The location information providing devices 617 to 623 may transmit the location information to at least one electronic device having a communication function within a signal transmission range of the location information providing devices 617 to 623.

For example, the location information may include identification information of a room in which each of the location information providing devices 617 to 623 is installed. The specific content of the identification information may vary according to various embodiments of the present invention. For example, the identification information may include one of a name such as a master room, a kitchen, a living room, etc., and an ID composed of a combination of letters and numbers. For example, the first location information providing device 617 located in the first space 601 may provide location information of the first space 601 to an electronic device located in the first space 601. I can. Similarly, the second to fourth location information providing devices 617 to 623 located in the second to fourth spaces 603 to 607, respectively, are located in the second to fourth spaces. Each location information may be provided to an electronic device located therein.

For example, when the control device 625 is located in the fourth space 607, the control device 625 can recognize the location information transmitted by the fourth location information providing device 623. The location information transmitted from the fourth location information providing device 623 may be received within a range. The control device 625 may recognize that the control device 625 is located in the fourth space 607 through the location information received from the fourth location information providing device 623.

6B shows that the control device 625 recognizes the fourth controlled device 615 in the fourth space 607 and receives equipment information from the fourth controlled device 615, and the fourth A situation in which the location information is received from the location information providing device 623 is illustrated.

The control device 625 displays the first icon 637 and role setting windows 629 to 635 according to the space through the display unit 627. The role setting windows 629 to 635 are interfaces for setting the role of at least one controlled device corresponding to the at least one icon through association with at least one icon.

The control device 625 displays a peripheral device recognition result on the display unit 627 of the control device 625. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the peripheral device recognition result may be displayed using a first icon 637 representing the fourth controlled device 615. For example, the fourth controlled device When 615 is a lighting, the first icon 637 representing the fourth controlled device 615 may have a lighting shape. As another example, when the fourth controlled device 615 is a speaker, The first icon 637 may have a lighting shape.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the peripheral device recognition result may be displayed in a manner other than the first icon 637. For example, the recognition result of the fourth controlled device 615 may be displayed in a list manner. That is, the peripheral device recognition result may be displayed as a list listing identification information of the fourth controlled device 615. For example, the identification information may include ID, SN, and the like. For convenience of description below, the present invention takes the case where the first icon 615 is displayed as an example.

Referring to FIG. 6C, the control device 625 may automatically set the role of the fourth controlled device 615 without a user's command. For example, the control device 615 uses the location information received from the fourth location information providing device 623 and the equipment information received from the fourth controlled device 615 to the fourth controlled device ( It is recognized that 635 is located in the fourth space 607. When the first icon 637 is moved by dragging the first icon 637 to the fourth role setting window 637, the control device 625 can assign the fourth controlled device 615 a role corresponding to the fourth space. have. For example, when the fourth space 607 is a home room and the fourth controlled device 615 is lighting, a home lighting role may be assigned to the fourth controlled device 615. At this time, when the user touches the moved first icon 637 in the fourth role setting window 637, the fourth controlled device 615 plays a role corresponding to the role of the fourth role setting window 635 Perform. For example, when the fourth controlled device 615 is lighting, as the user touches the first icon 635, the fourth controlled device 615 illuminates according to the assigned role. Print.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, when a user touches the first icon 637 located in the fourth role setting window 635, the control device 625 displays a fourth controlled device on the display unit 627. An interface for controlling the device 615 may be displayed. For example, when the fourth controlled device 637 is a light, the control device 625, when the user touches the first icon 637, the brightness of the light, activation of the lighting power / An interface capable of controlling deactivation or the like may be displayed on the display unit 627. The configuration of the interface may vary depending on the type of the controlled device. For example, when the controlled device is an air conditioner, the interface may include a component capable of controlling a temperature.

6A to 6C illustrate an example in which the control device recognizes and controls one controlled device located in one of the four spaces. However, according to another embodiment of the present invention, three or less or five or more spaces may exist, and one or more controlled devices may be located in each space. In addition, the control device may recognize and control at least one controlled device while moving at least one or more spaces.

7A and 7B illustrate examples of grouping with other electronic devices in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

7A shows an example in which the first to fourth electronic devices are grouped into a first group 713, and the fifth electronic device 709 and the sixth electronic device 711 are grouped into a second group 715 do. The first to sixth electronic devices 701 to 711 may be a control device or a controlled device.

The electronic devices 701 to 711 may be formed into a group of electronic devices existing at an adjacent distance by measuring a distance between the electronic devices 701 to 711. The distance measurement may be performed through a received signal strength or an acoustic time stamp between the electronic devices. For example, the electronic devices 701 to 711 check the received signal strength or sound time stamp between the electronic devices 701 to 711 to check the adjacent distances of the electronic devices, and the adjacent electronic devices are each group Can be formed. For example, the first to fourth electronic devices 701 to 707 form a first group 713. In addition, the fifth electronic device 709 and the sixth electronic device 711 form a second group 715.

The electronic devices 701 to 711 are assigned roles appropriate to each group. For example, when the first electronic device 701 is a refrigerator and the second to fourth electronic devices 703 to 707 are speakers including a radio function, the second to fourth electronic devices (703 to 707) recognize that the first electronic device 701 is a refrigerator by exchanging equipment information with the first electronic device 701. The second to fourth electronic devices 703 to 707 may determine that the refrigerator is located in the kitchen through the equipment information. The second to fourth electronic devices 703 to 711 may serve as a speaker located in a kitchen according to a position check result. For example, when the role of a speaker located in the kitchen is to play a radio, the second to fourth electronic devices 703 to 707 may play the radio.

For another example, when the fifth electronic device 709 is a TV and the sixth electronic device 711 is a speaker, the sixth electronic device 711 is the equipment information of the fifth electronic device 709 You can play the TV sound by receiving.

Referring to FIG. 7B, when a user moves the fourth electronic device 707 out of a distance in which grouping of the first group 713 is possible and within a range in which grouping of the second group 715 is possible 701, if it is determined that the fourth electronic device 707 cannot transmit/receive a signal with the first to third electronic devices 701 to 705 of the first group 713, the first electronic device 707 Grouping with the device to the third electronic device 701 to 705 is ended. The fourth electronic device 707 measures a distance from the fifth electronic device and the sixth electronic device 709 to 711 of the second group 715. When the fourth to sixth electronic devices 707 to 711 are located within a range in which signals can be transmitted/received as a result of the distance measurement, they exchange equipment information and are regrouped into the second group 715. In addition, the fourth electronic device 707 may be assigned a new role according to the electronic devices of a new group. For example, when the first electronic device 701 is a refrigerator and the fifth electronic device 709 is a PC, the role of the fourth electronic device 707 is to play a radio in the first group 713 If this is the case, after moving to the second group 715, the user of the fourth electronic device 711 changes the fourth electronic device 707 to the area of the second group 715 including the fifth electronic device 709 When moving to, the fourth electronic device 707 may perform the role of a PC speaker by exchanging equipment information with the fifth electronic device 709.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, when the fourth electronic device 707 moves within the area of the first group 713, the fourth electronic device 707 may maintain the first group 713. have. According to another embodiment of the present invention, the above-described configuration may be different.

8 illustrates an example of interworking with a wearable device in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

8 illustrates a situation in which the user 801 wears a wearable device 803 and moves the electronic device 805.

The wearable device 803 refers to a device that can be worn by the user 801 and has a function capable of transmitting and receiving signals with the electronic device 805. For example, the wearable device 803 may include a glasses-type terminal, a wrist watch-type terminal, an earring having a communication function, a bracelet, and the like. The wearable device 803 may receive information on the user 801 from the user 801. For example, the wearable device 803 may receive information on the user 801 such as a place where the user 801 is mainly located, a preferred TV program, a preferred radio program, a wake up time, and a bedtime. have.

The electronic device 805 is a device that has a communication function and can display at least one of image information and sound information. For example, the electronic device 805 may include a speaker, lighting, washing machine, refrigerator, TV, audio, game console, PC, automatic curtain, oven, robot cleaner, air conditioner, dishwasher, CCTV, and the like. The electronic device 805 may measure a distance between the wearable device 803 and the wearable device 803 and measure how long a certain distance between the wearable device 803 and the electronic device 805 is maintained. The distance measurement may be performed through a received signal strength or an acoustic time stamp between the electronic device 805 and the wearable device 803.

For example, when the user 801 wears the wearable device 803 and moves with the electronic device 805, the electronic device 805 may have a distance from the wearable device 803 within a certain range. Measure if there is. If the electronic device 805 determines that the distance is within a certain range, the electronic device 805 measures a time during which the distance between the wearable device 803 and the electronic device 805 is maintained within a certain range, and when a predetermined time is exceeded, the electronic device It is determined that 805 moves. The electronic device 805 continuously measures the distance to the wearable device 803 and determines that the movement has ended when the distance is out of a predetermined range. After moving, the electronic device 805 may play a new role based on user information received through the wearable device 803 and equipment information received from nearby electronic devices. For example, consider a case where the electronic device 805 is a speaker, and information indicating that the user 801 prefers a specific volume and sleeps at a specific time is input to the wearable device 803. When the user 801 wears the wearable equipment 803 and moves the electronic device 805 to the living room where the TV is located, the electronic device 805 receives the user information received from the wearable equipment 803 and It serves as a speaker of the TV through equipment information received from the TV. In this case, the electronic device 805 may be set to be played at a specific volume preferred by the user 801 and to end playback at a specific time.

9 illustrates an example of setting a connection method with another electronic device in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

9 illustrates a connection method between the control device 901-1 and the controlled devices 903-1 to 909-1, and the first to third controlled devices 903-1 to 907-1. ) Is out of the controllable range of the control device 901-1 illustrates a case in which the control device 901-2 and the fourth controlled device 909-2 maintain the existing connection method.

Referring to FIG. 9, when the control device 901-1 and the controlled devices 903-1 to 909-1 move within a range in which mutual signals can be recognized, the control device 901- 1) and the controlled devices 903-1 to 909-1 continue to maintain the existing connection method. In addition, in a connection method between the control device 901-1 and the controlled devices 903-1 to 909-1, the first to the third controlled devices 903-1 to 907- When 1) is out of the range in which mutual signals can be recognized with the control device 901-1 and the fourth controlled device 909-1, the control device 901-2 and the fourth controlled device The device 909-2 maintains the existing connection scheme.

10 is a diagram illustrating an example of setting a connection method with another electronic device in an electronic device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

10 illustrates a connection between the control device 1001-1 and the controlled devices 1003-1 to 1009-1, the first to the third controlled devices 1003-1 to 1007-1. ) Is outside the communication distance between the control device 1001-1 and the fourth controlled device 1009-1, the control device 1001-2 and the fourth controlled device 1009-2 Illustrates a situation in which a new connection method is connected instead of the existing connection method.

For example, in a connection method between the control device 1001-1 and the controlled devices 1003-1 to 1009-1, the first controlled device 1003-1 is an access point (AP). ), when connecting the control device 1001-1 and the second to fourth controlled devices 1005-1 to 1009-1, the control device 1001-1 And when the first to fourth controlled devices 1003-1 to 1009-1 move within a range in which mutual signals can be recognized, the control device 1001-1 and the first controlled device The control device to the fourth controlled device 1003-1 to 1009-1 continue to maintain the existing connection method. However, in the connected state of the control device 1001-1 and the first to fourth controlled devices 1003-1 to 1009-1, the first to the third controlled device When the devices 1003-1 to 1007-1 are out of a range in which mutual signals can be recognized with the control device 1001-1 and the fourth controlled device 1009-1, the control device 1001- 2) and the fourth controlled device 1009-2 are changed to a new connection method instead of the existing connection method, so that the control device 1001-2 and the fourth controlled device 1009-2 are interconnected. Keep it.

11 is a flowchart illustrating a flowchart of recognizing and setting another electronic device in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In the following description, the electronic device may correspond to the control device of FIG. 2, and the other electronic device may correspond to one of the controlled devices of FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 11, the electronic device proceeds to step 1101 to search for another electronic device. The electronic device searches for a signal from at least one other electronic device. In other words, the electronic device determines whether the at least one other electronic device is located at a controllable distance. The determination of whether the electronic device is located at the controllable distance may be made through a distance measurement between the electronic device and the at least one other electronic device through a received signal strength or an acoustic time stamp. The electronic device and the at least one other electronic device may exchange equipment information with each other. The equipment information includes connection information, service information, equipment unique ID information, equipment type information, and equipment name. The electronic device may recognize the at least one electronic device based on the equipment information transmitted from the at least one electronic device.

The electronic device proceeds to step 1103 to display a result of recognizing the other electronic device. The electronic device displays a result of recognizing the at least one other electronic device. The display may be displayed in the form of at least one icon or list.

The electronic device proceeds to step 1105 and transmits a message requesting to output an identification signal to the at least one other electronic device. In other words, so that the user can recognize the correspondence between the at least one other electronic device and the recognition result display, the electronic device may transmit a message requesting that the at least one other electronic device output an identification signal. . The identification signal is a promised signal output from the at least one other electronic device. The identification signal may be variously defined according to specific embodiments.

The electronic device proceeds to step 1107 to set the role of at least one other electronic device. The electronic device displays at least one recognition result and at least one role setting window. A user may assign a role to the at least one other electronic device through the at least one role setting window. For example, when the at least one recognition result is displayed as at least one icon, when a user touches and drags the at least one icon displayed on the display unit of the electronic device and drops it on the at least one role setting window, The at least one other electronic device corresponding to the at least one icon is set to perform a role corresponding to the at least one role setting window. When the user touches the at least one icon located on at least one role setting window, the at least one other electronic device performs a role corresponding to the role of the at least one role setting window.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the electronic device may display an interface providing a function of controlling the at least one other electronic device on a display of the electronic device. For example, when the other electronic device is audio, when the user touches the at least one icon located in the at least one role setting window, the electronic device activates the audio power on the display unit of the electronic device. An interface providing a function of controlling the audio such as /deactivation, volume control, and channel control may be displayed on the display unit. The configuration of the interface may vary according to the type of the other electronic device. For example, when the other electronic device is an air conditioner, the interface may include a component capable of controlling a temperature.

12 is a flowchart illustrating a process of recognizing and setting another electronic device in an electronic device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

In the following description, the electronic device may correspond to the control device of FIG. 2, and the other electronic device may correspond to one of the controlled devices of FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 12, the electronic device proceeds to step 1201 to search for at least one other electronic device. The electronic device searches for a signal of the at least one other electronic device. The electronic device may determine whether the at least one electronic device is located at a controllable distance. The electronic device may determine whether the electronic device is located within the controllable distance through a received signal strength or an acoustic time stamp between the electronic device and the at least one electronic device. The electronic device may exchange equipment information with the at least one electronic device. For example, the equipment information includes connection information, service information, equipment unique ID information, equipment type information, and equipment name. The electronic device may recognize the at least one other electronic device based on the equipment information transmitted from the at least one other electronic device.

The electronic device proceeds to step 1203 and displays a result of recognizing the at least one other electronic device. The electronic device recognizes the at least one other electronic device and receives equipment information from the at least one electronic device. Accordingly, the electronic device may display a result of recognizing the at least one other electronic device. The recognition result display, which is a display of the recognized result, may be displayed in the form of at least one icon or list.

The electronic device proceeds to step 1205 and transmits a message requesting to display an identification signal to the at least one other electronic device. The electronic device may control the at least one other electronic device to output an identification signal in order to recognize the location of the at least one other electronic device. The identification signal is a promised signal output from the at least one other electronic device. The identification signal may be variously defined according to specific embodiments. For example, the identification signal may be defined in the form of at least one of light, sound, and image. In addition, the identification signals may be defined identically or differently for the at least one other electronic device. For example, the identification signal may be classified into at least one of a color of illumination, a pattern of illumination, a period of illumination, an acoustic signal, a pattern of an acoustic signal, and a period of an acoustic signal.

The electronic device proceeds to step 1207 to recognize the identification signal of the other electronic device. The electronic device may recognize an identification signal output from the at least one other electronic device through a sensor and may determine the location of the at least one other electronic device. The sensor is a device that recognizes an image signal or an audio signal. For example, the sensor may include a camera capable of recognizing an image signal and a microphone capable of recognizing an acoustic signal.

The electronic device proceeds to step 1209 to set the role of the at least one other electronic device. When the electronic device determines that the location of the at least one electronic device is included in the range of the at least one role setting window through the identification signal of the at least one other electronic device, the at least one other electronic device is set to the role setting window. You can control to assign a role that corresponds to it.

For example, referring to FIG. 4C, when the electronic device determines that the first to the fourth controlled devices are included in the range of the fourth role setting window, respectively, the Roles according to positions of the first role setting window to the fourth role setting window may be assigned to each of the first to the fourth controlled device. In addition, the electronic device moves the icons corresponding to the recognition results of the controlled devices to the role setting windows so that the user can intuitively recognize the correspondence between the controlled devices and the role setting windows.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, a method in which the electronic device sets the role of the other electronic device may be different. For example, referring to FIG. 6A, there may be at least one location information providing device providing location information of the at least one space in at least one space. The at least one location information providing device may transmit the location information to at least one electronic device having a communication function within a signal transmission range of the at least one location information providing device.

For example, referring to FIG. 6C, when the at least one location information providing device is located in a fourth space, the electronic device may use the location information received from the at least one location information providing device. It can be appreciated that the device is located in the fourth space. In addition, the electronic device may recognize that at least one other electronic device recognized in the fourth space is located in the fourth space. Accordingly, the electronic device may determine the location of the at least one other electronic device and the location of the fourth space, and assign a role to the at least one other electronic device. For example, the electronic device may provide the at least one other electronic device to the at least one other electronic device through the location information of the fourth space received from the fourth location information providing device and equipment information received from the at least one other electronic device. 4 It can be set to play a role according to space. In this case, the electronic device drags and moves the display of at least one recognition result, which is a result of recognizing the at least one other electronic device, to the fourth role setting window so that the user determines whether or not the role of the at least one other electronic device is set. You can make it visually recognizable. For example, when the at least one recognition result display is displayed as an icon, the electronic device drags and moves the icon to the fourth role setting window, so that the user visually sets the role of the at least one other electronic device. Can be perceived as.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the electronic device may display an interface providing a function of controlling the at least one other electronic device on a display of the electronic device. For example, when the other electronic device is audio, when the user touches the at least one icon located in the at least one role setting window, the electronic device activates the audio power on the display unit of the electronic device. An interface providing a function of controlling the audio such as /deactivation, volume control, and channel control may be displayed on the display unit. The configuration of the interface may vary according to the type of the other electronic device. For example, when the other electronic device is an air conditioner, the interface may include a component capable of controlling a temperature.

13 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of another electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In the following description, the electronic device may correspond to the control device of FIG. 2, and the other electronic device may correspond to one of the controlled devices of FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 13, the other electronic device proceeds to step 1301 to search for at least one electronic device. The other electronic device searches for the at least one electronic device. The other electronic device may determine whether the at least one electronic device is located at a controllable distance. When the other electronic device determines a distance to the at least one electronic device through a received signal strength or an acoustic time stamp between the other electronic device and the at least one electronic device, and the distance is a distance at which signals can be transmitted and received , It is possible to exchange equipment information with the at least one electronic device.

The other electronic device proceeds to step 1303 and receives an identification signal output request message. The other electronic device may receive a request message requesting to output an identification signal from the at least one electronic device. The request message notifies a request to output an identification signal, and may include information indicating at least one of a type, a content, and a display method (eg, duration, number of repetitions, etc.) of the identification signal.

The other electronic device proceeds to step 1305 and outputs an identification signal. The identification signal is a promised signal output from the other electronic device. The identification signal may be variously defined according to specific embodiments. For example, the identification signal may be defined in the form of at least one of light, sound, and image. Also, the identification signal may be defined identically or differently for each of the controlled devices. For example, the identification signal may be classified into at least one of a color of illumination, a pattern of illumination, a period of illumination, an acoustic signal, a pattern of an acoustic signal, and a period of an acoustic signal.

The other electronic device proceeds to step 1307 to set the role of the other electronic device. The other electronic device may be controlled to be assigned a role by at least one electronic device. For example, when the other electronic device is a speaker, the other electronic device may be assigned the role of the speaker according to the location of the other electronic device.

According to another embodiment of the present invention, the other electronic device may be controlled by the at least one electronic device. For example, when the other electronic device is audio, the other electronic device may set activation/deactivation of the power of the other electronic device, a volume, a channel, etc. according to a command of the at least one electronic device. For example, when the other electronic device is a lighting, the other electronic device may control the brightness of the lighting of the other electronic device according to a control signal of the at least one electronic device.

14 is a flowchart illustrating a grouping of an electronic device with another electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In the following description, the electronic device may correspond to the control device of FIG. 2, and the other electronic device may correspond to one of the controlled devices of FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 14, the electronic device proceeds to step 1401 to search for at least one other electronic device. The electronic device searches for a signal of the at least one other electronic device. In other words, the electronic device may determine whether the at least one other electronic device is located at a controllable distance. The electronic device may determine whether the at least one other electronic device is located at a distance at which signals can be transmitted/received through a received signal strength or an acoustic time stamp of the at least one other electronic device. When the at least one other electronic device is located at a distance capable of transmitting and receiving signals, the electronic device may exchange equipment information with the at least one other electronic device. The equipment information includes connection information, service information, equipment unique ID information, equipment type information, and equipment name. The electronic device may recognize the at least one other electronic device based on the equipment information transmitted from the at least one other electronic device.

The electronic device proceeds to step 1403 to group with other electronic devices. The electronic device may form a group with at least one other electronic device existing at an adjacent distance by measuring the distance with the at least one other electronic device. The distance measurement may be performed through a received signal strength or an acoustic time stamp between the electronic devices. For example, referring to FIG. 7A, a first to fourth electronic device may be set as a first group, and a fifth electronic device and a sixth electronic device may be set as a second group through distance measurement.

15 is a flowchart illustrating a flow chart of regrouping with another electronic device in an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In the following description, the electronic device may correspond to the control device of FIG. 2, and the other electronic device may correspond to one of the controlled devices of FIG. 2.

15, the electronic device proceeds to step 1501 to search for at least one other electronic device. The electronic device may search for the at least one other electronic device through a received signal strength or an acoustic time stamp. When it is determined that the at least one other electronic device is adjacent, the electronic device may form a group with the at least one other electronic device.

The electronic device proceeds to step 1503 to detect a change in distance between at least one other electronic device and the electronic device. The electronic device may check the adjacent distance by checking the received signal strength or sound time stamp of the at least one other electronic device.

The electronic device proceeds to step 1505 to determine whether at least one other electronic device in the group has left the group. The electronic device may check whether the electronic device and the at least one other electronic device are separated from each other through a strength of a received signal from the at least one other electronic device or an acoustic time stamp.

The electronic device proceeds to step 1507 to determine whether at least one other electronic device has been added to the group. When the electronic device detects a signal of at least one other electronic device through the received signal strength or the sound time stamp, it may determine that the at least one other electronic device is added.

The electronic device proceeds to step 1509 and checks information on other electronic devices that have been removed or added. For example, the electronic device may determine which electronic device has left the group through equipment information about the at least one other electronic device that has been obtained in advance for at least one other electronic device that has been detached. In addition, the electronic device may check information on the added at least one other electronic device by exchanging equipment information with another additional electronic device. The equipment information includes connection information, service information, equipment unique ID information, equipment type information, and equipment name.

The electronic device proceeds to step 1511 to perform grouping with at least one other electronic device. When the at least one other electronic device leaves, the electronic device may perform grouping excluding the at least one other electronic device. When the at least one other electronic device is added, the electronic device may perform grouping including the at least one other electronic device.

16 is a flowchart illustrating a connection method of an electronic device to another electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In the following description, the electronic device may correspond to the control device of FIG. 2, and the other electronic device may correspond to one of the controlled devices of FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 16, the electronic device proceeds to step 1601 to search for at least one other electronic device. The electronic device checks the distance to another electronic device in the group through the search for the at least one other electronic device. The distance between the control device and the controlled devices may be checked through a received signal strength or sound time stamp between the control device and the controlled devices.

The electronic device proceeds to step 1603 to determine whether another electronic device in the group has moved. Referring to FIG. 7B, when the first to third electronic devices of the first group are unable to transmit and receive signals with the fourth electronic device, it is determined that the fourth electronic device has left the first group. do. In addition, when the fourth electronic device enters the second group and can transmit and receive signals, the fourth electronic device is connected to the second group. I think it was added.

The electronic device proceeds to step 1605 to determine whether to change the connection method with the other electronic device. The electronic device determines whether to maintain an existing connection method with the other electronic device or to interconnect through a new connection method instead of the existing connection method. For example, referring to FIG. 10, in a connection method between the control device and the controlled device, the first controlled device serves as an access point, so that the control device and the second controlled device to the second controlled device 4 When connecting a controlled device, if the control device and the first to fourth controlled devices move within a range in which mutual signals can be recognized, the control device and the first controlled device To the fourth controlled device continues to maintain the existing connection method. However, in the connected state of the control device and the first to the fourth controlled device, the first to the third controlled device is mutually connected to the control device and the fourth controlled device. If the signal is out of the range that can be recognized, the control device and the fourth controlled device change to a new connection method instead of the existing connection method.

The electronic device proceeds to step 1607 to change a connection method with the other electronic device. When it is determined that the electronic device is no longer able to connect to the at least one other electronic device through the existing connection method, the electronic device changes to a new connection method instead of the existing connection method to maintain the connection with the at least one other electronic device. . For example, referring to FIG. 10, in a connection state between the control device and the first to fourth controlled devices, the first to the third controlled device is the control device. And the fourth controlled device and the mutually recognized signal is out of range, the control device and the fourth controlled device are changed to a new connection method instead of the existing connection method to maintain mutual connection.

17 is a flowchart illustrating a grouping of an electronic device with another electronic device according to another embodiment of the present invention.

In the following description, the electronic device may correspond to the control device of FIG. 2, and the other electronic device may correspond to one of the controlled devices of FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 17, the electronic device proceeds to step 1701 to search for at least one other electronic device. The electronic device may determine whether the at least one other electronic device is located at a distance at which signals can be transmitted/received through the strength of the received signal with the at least one other electronic device or an acoustic time stamp. When the at least one other electronic device is located at a distance capable of transmitting and receiving signals, the electronic device may exchange equipment information with the at least one other electronic device. The equipment information includes connection information, service information, equipment unique ID information, equipment type information, and equipment name. The electronic device may recognize the at least one other electronic device based on the equipment information transmitted from the at least one other electronic device.

The electronic device proceeds to step 1603 to determine whether the at least one other electronic device is a wearable device. The wearable device refers to a device that can be worn by a user and has a function of transmitting and receiving signals to and from the electronic device. The wearable device may receive user information, such as a place where the user is mainly located, a preferred TV program, a preferred radio program, a wake-up time, and a bedtime, from the user. The electronic device recognizes that the wearable device is a wearable device by exchanging equipment information with the wearable device.

The electronic device proceeds to step 1705 to determine whether a distance to the wearable device is maintained. For example, when the user wears the wearable device and moves with the electronic device, the electronic device measures whether a distance to the wearable device is within a predetermined range. When the electronic device determines that the distance is within a predetermined range, the electronic device measures a time for which the distance between the wearable device and the electronic device is maintained within a predetermined range, and determines that the electronic device moves when a predetermined time is exceeded. The electronic device continuously measures the distance to the wearable device, and determines that the movement has ended when the distance is out of a predetermined range.

The electronic device proceeds to step 1707 to perform grouping with another electronic device. After moving, the electronic device may play a new role based on user information received through the wearable device and equipment information received from nearby electronic devices. For example, when the electronic device is a speaker, and information indicating that the user prefers a specific volume and goes to bed at a specific time is input to the wearable device, the user wears the wearable device and sets the electronic device to a TV. When moving to the living room where is located, the electronic device serves as a speaker of the TV through the user information received from the wearable device and the equipment information received from the TV. In this case, the electronic device may be set to play at a specific volume preferred by the user and to end playback at a specific time.

18 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of an electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In the following description, the electronic device may correspond to the control device of FIG. 2, and the other electronic device may correspond to one of the controlled devices of FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 18, the electronic device proceeds to step 1801 to display a result of recognizing at least one other electronic device. The electronic device outputs a recognition result display, which is a result of recognizing at least one other electronic device, to a screen display of the electronic device. The recognition result display may be displayed as at least one icon or list.

The electronic device proceeds to step 1803 and transmits an equipment identification signal output request message to at least one other electronic device. The electronic device transmits the device identification signal output request message to the at least one other electronic device through a communication unit of the electronic device.

19 is a flowchart illustrating an operation of another electronic device controlled by the electronic device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

In the following description, the electronic device may correspond to the control device of FIG. 2, and the other electronic device may correspond to one of the controlled devices of FIG. 2.

Referring to FIG. 19, the other electronic device receives an equipment identification signal output request message from at least one electronic device. The other electronic device receives a message requesting output of an equipment identification signal from the at least one electronic device through a communication unit of the other electronic device.

The other electronic device outputs an equipment identification signal. The other electronic device outputs the equipment identification signal through a display of the other electronic device. The equipment identification signal includes at least one of numbers, characters, images, lighting colors, lighting patterns, lighting periods, acoustic signal patterns, and acoustic signal periods for distinguishing the other electronic device from another electronic device. can do.

20 illustrates an example of a block configuration of a control device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 20, a communication unit 2001, a sensor unit 2003, a screen display unit/input unit 2005, a memory unit 2007, and a control unit 2009 are illustrated.

The communication unit 2001 performs a function of transmitting and receiving a wireless signal of data input/output through an antenna (not shown). For example, in the case of transmission, after channel coding and spreading the data to be transmitted, it performs the function of transmitting by RF processing. In the case of reception, the received RF signal is converted into a baseband signal. The baseband signal is de-spreading and channel decoding to restore data. In addition to the usual functions, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the communication unit 2001 may transmit a message requesting that the at least one other controlled device output an identifiable signal. The communication unit 2001 includes a first communication module for transmitting and receiving a signal for recognizing the at least one controlled device, and a second communication for transmitting and receiving a data signal with the recognized at least one other electronic device. May contain modules.

The sensor unit 2003 includes one or two or more of a GPS receiver, a gyro sensor, a geomagnetic sensor, an acceleration sensor, a near field communication (NFC) sensor, a light sensor, and an acoustic sensor. It can be implemented in combination. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the sensor unit 2003 includes a camera unit detecting movement of light and a microphone detecting sound signals. The camera unit includes a camera sensor that converts an optical signal detected during image capturing into an electrical signal, and a signal processing unit that converts an analog image signal photographed from the camera sensor into digital image data. Here, the camera sensor may be implemented as a CCD (Charge Coupled Device) sensor, and the signal processor may be implemented as a Digital Signal Processor (DSP). In addition to the usual functions, the sensor unit 2003 according to an embodiment of the present invention includes numbers, letters, images, colors of lights, patterns of lights, periods of lights, patterns of sound signals, and sounds. A camera or microphone for recognizing an identifiable signal including at least one of the periods of the signal may be included.

The screen display/input unit 2005 provides an input/output interface between the electronic device and a user. That is, the screen display unit/input unit 2005 provides an interface for user's touch input/output. Specifically, the screen display/input unit 2005 is a medium that transmits a user's touch input to the electronic device and displays an output from the electronic device to the user. Also, the screen display/input unit 2005 provides a visual output to the user. For example, the image of the device recognized by the camera of the electronic device is output. The visual output may be displayed in the form of text, graphic, video, and combinations thereof. The screen display/input unit 2005 may use various display technologies. For example, LCD (Liquid Crystal Display), LED (Light Emitting Diode), LPD (Light Emitting Polymer Display), OLED (Organic Light Emitting Diode), AMOLED (Active Matrix Organic Light Emitting Diode) or FLED (Flexible LED). Can be used. The screen display unit/input unit 2005 of the present invention is not limited to a touch screen using such a display technology. In addition, the screen display unit/input unit 2005 may be divided into the screen display unit and the input unit. In addition to the usual functions, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the screen display/input unit 2005 may display a result of recognizing at least one controlled device as at least one item. The screen display/input unit 2005 may display at least one window indicating the role of at least one controlled device. The screen display/input unit 2005 may display an item corresponding to a controlled device that outputs the identifiable signal among the at least one controlled device so as to be distinguishable from at least one other item. When the user selects the at least one item displayed in the at least one window, the screen display/input unit 2005 displays an interface capable of controlling a controlled device corresponding to the at least one item. can do. The screen display/input unit 2005 may display a window corresponding to a location of at least one controlled device that outputs the identification signal. The screen display/input unit 2005 may display an item corresponding to at least one controlled device outputting the identification signal in the at least one window.

The memory unit 2007 stores a microcode of a program for processing and control of the control unit 2009 and various reference data. In particular, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the memory unit 2007 stores a program for recognizing and managing at least one controlled device and various types of information.

The control unit 2009 controls the overall operation of the control device. For example, it performs processing and control for voice communication and data communication. In addition to the usual functions, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the control unit 2009, when the at least one item is displayed in the at least one window by the user's command, the controlled control corresponding to the at least one item You can control the assignment of roles to devices. When a user selects the at least one item displayed in the at least one window, the controller 2009 may control a controlled device corresponding to the at least one item to perform the assigned role. The controller 2009 may control the at least one other electronic device to perform a role according to the location. The controller 2009 may assign a role according to the location information to the at least one controlled device, and control the at least one controlled device to perform the assigned role.

21 shows an example of a block configuration of a controlled device according to an embodiment of the present invention.

Referring to FIG. 21, a communication unit 2101, a display unit 2103, a memory unit 2105, and a control unit 2107 are illustrated.

The communication unit 2101 performs a function of transmitting and receiving a wireless signal of data input/output through an antenna (not shown). For example, in the case of transmission, after channel coding and spreading the data to be transmitted, it performs the function of transmitting by RF processing. In the case of reception, the received RF signal is converted into a baseband signal. The baseband signal is de-spreading and channel decoding to restore data. In addition to the usual functions, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the communication unit 2101 may receive a message requesting to output an identifiable signal from the control device. The communication unit 2101 may transmit and receive a signal for recognizing at least one other controlled device and data with the at least one other controlled device. The communication unit 2101 may include a first communication module for transmitting and receiving a signal for recognizing the at least one other controlled device, and a second communication module for transmitting and receiving a data signal with the at least one other controlled device. I can. The communication unit 2101 may transmit/receive a signal including information on a user and for recognizing at least one wearable device wearable by the user. The communication unit 2101 may receive a message requesting to output an identifiable signal from the control device.

The display unit 2103 may include a screen output unit that outputs an illumination signal and an audio output unit that outputs an acoustic signal. According to an embodiment of the present invention, the display unit 2103 includes at least one of a number, a letter, an image, a color of a lighting, a pattern of lighting, a period of lighting, a pattern of an acoustic signal, and a period of a sound signal. You can output a signal.

The memory unit 2105 stores a microcode of a program for processing and control of the control unit 2107 and various reference data. In particular, according to an embodiment of the present invention, the memory unit 2105 stores a program for managing the controlled device and various types of information.

The controller 2107 controls the overall operation of the electronic equipment. For example, it performs processing and control for voice communication and data communication. In addition to the usual functions, according to the present invention, the control unit 2107 may control to form a group with at least one control device or at least one controlled device. The controller 2107 may recognize the movement of the at least one other control device or controlled device, and control the group to be formed again. The controller 2107 may measure a time during which the at least one wearable device and the electronic device maintain a predetermined distance, and determine that the electronic device moves when a predetermined time is exceeded.

The methods according to the embodiments described in the claims or specification of the present invention may be implemented in the form of hardware, software, or a combination of hardware and software.

When implemented in software, a computer-readable storage medium storing one or more programs (software modules) may be provided. One or more programs stored in a computer-readable storage medium are configured to be executable by one or more processors in an electronic device (device). The one or more programs include instructions that cause the electronic device to execute methods according to embodiments described in the claims or specification of the present invention.

Meanwhile, in the detailed description of the present invention, specific embodiments have been described, but various modifications are possible without departing from the scope of the present invention. Therefore, the scope of the present invention is limited to the described embodiments and should not be determined, and should be determined by the scope of the claims and equivalents as well as the scope of the claims to be described later.

Claims (54)

In the method of operating an electronic device,
Transmitting a first request signal for establishing a communication connection between the electronic device and the plurality of other electronic devices to a plurality of other electronic devices; and
Receiving a response signal from the plurality of other electronic devices through the communication connection,
Displaying items corresponding to the plurality of other electronic devices based on the received response signal, and
A process of displaying at least one area corresponding to at least one role, and
Transmitting a second request signal for outputting a visible or audible identifiable signal to at least one of the plurality of other electronic devices corresponding to the items for which the first input is detected; and
Mapping the at least one role to at least one electronic device selected from among the plurality of other electronic devices based on a predetermined rule; and
Transmitting a third request signal to perform the at least one role corresponding to the at least one area to at least one selected electronic device from among the plurality of other electronic devices corresponding to the items for which the second input is detected. How to include. The method of claim 1,
A process of receiving location information on one of the plurality of other electronic devices from another device; and
The method further comprising assigning the at least one role to any one other electronic device among the plurality of other electronic devices based on the location information.

delete The method of claim 1,
A process of measuring a distance between each of the plurality of other electronic devices and the electronic device,
The method further comprising determining a group for the plurality of other electronic devices based on the measured distance.
The method of claim 4,
The process of receiving user information from a wearable device,
A process of measuring a time during which the distance between the electronic device and the wearable device is maintained within a specific range,
Determining that the electronic device moves when the measured time exceeds a preset time; and
The method further comprising performing a role of the electronic device based on the information on the plurality of other electronic devices and the user information.

The method of claim 1,
The identifiable signal is defined as at least one of a number, a letter, an image, a color of a lighting, a pattern of a lighting, a period of a lighting, a pattern of an acoustic signal, and a period of an acoustic signal.
The method of claim 6,
Recognizing the identifiable signal transmitted from another electronic device among the plurality of other electronic devices,
A process of identifying the location of the other electronic device based on the recognized identifiable signal,
And assigning the predetermined role to the other electronic device based on the location of the other electronic device.
The method of claim 1,
When any one of the at least one item is displayed in any one of the at least one area according to the command, any one of the plurality of other electronic devices corresponding to any one of the at least one item The process of allocating the predetermined role, and
When detecting any one of the at least one item displayed in any one of the at least one area, controlling one of the plurality of other electronic devices to perform the predetermined role Way.

The method of claim 8,
Interface for controlling any one of the plurality of other electronic devices when an input for any one of the at least one item displayed in any one of the at least one area is detected The process of marking and,
The method further comprising the step of controlling any one of the plurality of other electronic devices to perform a function corresponding to the interface when another input to the interface is detected.

The method of claim 8,
The method further comprising displaying the at least one area based on positions of each of the plurality of other electronic devices that output an identifiable signal.
In the electronic device,
At least one transmitting and receiving unit,
With the display,
Including at least one processor,
The at least one processor,
Transmitting a first request signal for establishing a communication connection between the electronic device and the plurality of other electronic devices to a plurality of other electronic devices,
Receiving a response signal from the plurality of other electronic devices through the communication connection,
Display items corresponding to the plurality of other electronic devices based on the received response signal,
Display at least one area corresponding to at least one role,
Transmitting a second request signal for outputting a visible or audible identifiable signal to at least one of the plurality of other electronic devices corresponding to the items for which the first input is detected,
Mapping the at least one role to at least one electronic device selected from among the plurality of other electronic devices, based on a predetermined rule,
The second input is further configured to transmit a third request signal to at least one electronic device selected from among the plurality of other electronic devices corresponding to the detected items to perform the at least one role corresponding to the at least one area. Device.
The method of claim 11,
The at least one processor,
Receiving location information for any one of the plurality of other electronic devices from another device,
An apparatus for controlling to assign the at least one role to any one other electronic device among the plurality of other electronic devices based on the location information.
The method of claim 11,
The at least one processor,
Measuring a distance between each of the plurality of other electronic devices and the electronic device,
An apparatus for controlling to determine a group for the plurality of other electronic devices based on the measured distance.
The method of claim 13,
The at least one processor,
Receiving user information from a wearable device,
Measuring a time during which the distance between the electronic device and the wearable device is maintained within a specific range,
If the measured time exceeds a preset time, it is determined that the electronic device moves,
A device that controls to perform the role of the electronic device based on the information on the plurality of other electronic devices and the user information.
The method of claim 11,
The at least one processor,
Receiving a signal for recognizing the plurality of other electronic devices,
An apparatus for controlling to transmit data signals to the plurality of other electronic devices.
The method of claim 11,
The identifiable signal is defined as at least one of a number, a letter, an image, a color of a lighting, a pattern of a lighting, a period of a lighting, a pattern of an acoustic signal, and a period of an acoustic signal.
The method of claim 16,
The at least one processor,
Recognizing the identifiable signal transmitted from any one other electronic device among the plurality of other electronic devices,
Identify the location of the other electronic device based on the recognized identifiable signal,
A device for controlling to assign the at least one role to the other electronic device based on the location of the other electronic device.
The method of claim 11,
The at least one processor,
When any one of the at least one item is displayed in any one of the at least one area according to the command, any one of the plurality of other electronic devices corresponding to any one of the at least one item Assigning the at least one role,
An apparatus for controlling one of the plurality of other electronic devices to perform the at least one role when one of the at least one item displayed in any one of the at least one area is detected.

The method of claim 18,
The at least one processor,
Interface for controlling any one of the plurality of other electronic devices when an input for any one of the at least one item displayed in any one of the at least one area is detected And
When another input to the interface is detected, an apparatus for controlling one of the plurality of other electronic devices to perform a function corresponding to the interface.



delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete delete

Images